At 20 weeks pregnant, you are at the halfway mark of your pregnancy. Although your baby already has his organs, eyes, ears and limbs, his body is still developing and changing in more detailed ways, and only some of the changes are detectable with an ultrasound. Some of the changes that occur in the 20th week of pregnancy are related to your baby's digestive system and skin.
Appearance
At 20 weeks pregnant, Babycenter states that your baby weighs about 10.5 oz. and is the length of a banana. He already has eyebrows and eyelashes, and tiny nails on his fingers and toes. He may be able to make facial expressions around the 20th week of pregnancy, and depending on his position in your womb, an ultrasound might reveal his gender.
Heart and Digestive System
According to the American Pregnancy Association, your baby's heartbeat will now be detectable with a stethoscope. His body is already making urine, which he empties into the amniotic fluid. Around the 20th week of pregnancy, his body will begin producing meconium, a gooey substance that occurs as part of digestion and accumulates in his bowels. He will empty the meconium in the days after birth.
Other Development
Fat has recently begun to accumulate under your baby's skin, which is now covered in vernix caseosa, a protective cheese-like coating. The skin on your baby's head may have fine hair on it by the 20th week, and his fingers now have his unique fingerprints. Your baby's hearing has been improving over the last couple of weeks, and he may be able to hear your voice from inside the womb.
Recommendations
Your doctor or midwife will monitor your pregnancy by checking your baby's heartbeat and giving periodic ultrasounds, and you will begin to feel your baby's movements around 20 weeks pregnant. However, if you are concerned about your unborn baby's growth or development, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Looking Forward
In the next few weeks, your baby will continue to gain weight, as well as the ability to swallow. His hair will become more visible and a fine hair will cover his entire body, and he will develop taste buds and footprints. His eyes will continue to develop and he will soon develop waking and sleeping cycles.
